I attended this game at Heinz field and it's not what happens during the game but before the game that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt how different and special the Pittsburgh Steelers are. It was a 4 pm game but we were there way early and already in our usual parking spot at the corner of Allegheny and Western by 10:30 am or so. I was with a friend who had never been to a Steelers game before and in spite of temps in the mid-30's, we wanted to beat the crowd, wander around the stadium area a little and maybe hit some sports bars before the game. As we're getting ready to head toward the stadium, we look across the street near McDOnald's and there is none other than Mr. Dan Rooney -- all bundled up and by himself -- walking down Allegheny Ave. toward the stadium! So Billy and I looked at each other and then shouted, "Hey, Mr. Rooney! We love you, man," or something dorky along those lines and Mr. Rooney glanced up, gave a little half salute and continued his steady, rather stiff walk. It was truly amazing. I mean, can you imagine the likes of Jerry Jones walking to the stadium? In cold weather, no less! God bless the Rooney's for the wonderful example they set. Oh, yeah... the game was a nice win in the midst of a tough season. Strong performances by Bettis (32 carries, 115 yds, 1 TD), Maddox (11 of 18, 160 yds, 3 TDs) and Deshea Townsend (2 INTs, 1 TD).

(12-24-2017, 12:25 PM)jschroe36 Wrote: Thanks for this one, Tim. That's a great story about Mr. Rooney as well.

Classic Bus. Accounted for 10 first downs and endless ball control. Amazing to think a team w/ Brees, Tomlinson and Gates could struggle as badly as the '03 Chargers did.

Agreed, Bettis was in full beast mode. Great game for DeShea Townsend with 2 INTs (including a pick 6) and an efficient, cleanly played game for Maddox. Also agreed how crazy it is that the Chargers struggled the way they did with so much talent. Injury aside, I still marvel at the fact that they already had Drew F-ing Brees and they drafted Phillip Rivers. And guess what? They continue(d) to struggle with all that talent. Because they're the flippin' CHARGERS. Just goes to show how much the front office and team leadership matters. It's not just the level of talent on the field.

I remember being so happy the Steelers won this game. The message board was a livelier place in those days and there were quite a number of "Eeyores" on the board who were really pissed we won the game due to its impact on our draft position. I belong to the Herman Edwards school of thought in that regard: "You PLAY to Win the GAME. Hello?"

And I'd say our 2004 first round draft position still worked out just fine for us.

(12-24-2017, 12:25 PM)jschroe36 Wrote: Thanks for this one, Tim. That's a great story about Mr. Rooney as well.

Classic Bus. Accounted for 10 first downs and endless ball control. Amazing to think a team w/ Brees, Tomlinson and Gates could struggle as badly as the '03 Chargers did.

Agreed, Bettis was in full beast mode. Great game for DeShea Townsend with 2 INTs (including a pick 6) and an efficient, cleanly played game for Maddox. Also agreed how crazy it is that the Chargers struggled the way they did with so much talent. Injury aside, I still marvel at the fact that they already had Drew F-ing Brees and they drafted Phillip Rivers. And guess what? They continue(d) to struggle with all that talent. Because they're the flippin' CHARGERS. Just goes to show how much the front office and team leadership matters. It's not just the level of talent on the field.

I remember being so happy the Steelers won this game. The message board was a livelier place in those days and there were quite a number of "Eeyores" on the board who were really pissed we won the game due to its impact on our draft position. I belong to the Herman Edwards school of thought in that regard: "You PLAY to Win the GAME. Hello?"

And I'd say our 2004 first round draft position still worked out just fine for us.

Excellent points, all. Not a Rivers fan at all. Another guy who has no business sniffing the HOF but will likely waltz in thanks to garbage-era rules.